France wildfires: why smoke can be dangerous even far from the flames
Millions of FFP2 masks are being distributed in affected departments
Published
Wildfire smoke is affecting air quality across south-west France, with authorities warning that people can be affected even when they are far from the flames.
The major fires burning in Gironde and the Landes have produced large smoke plumes containing fine particles and other pollutants, leading to air quality alerts in several departments.
This is because the danger of a wildfire does not stop at the fire perimeter. Smoke can travel long distances, carried by winds and exposing communities far beyond the area threatened by the blazes.
Why wildfire smoke is harmful
Wildfire smoke is a complex mixture of gases and particles released when vegetation burns. According to ANSES (France's national agency for food, environmental and occupational health and safety), the main health concern is fine particulate matter known as PM2.5.
These particles are small enough to penetrate deep into the lungs and can enter the bloodstream. Wildfire smoke also contains pollution including carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds, nitrogen oxides, and other chemical substances, depending on what is burning and the conditions on the fire.
ANSES said around 80% of suspended particles in forest fire smoke are fine particles, many of them less than one micrometre in diameter, allowing them to remain airborne and travel long distances.
What are the health effects
Short-term exposure to wildfire smoke can cause irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, as well as coughing, wheezing, breathing difficulties and a temporary decline in lung function.
People with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or other respiratory conditions may experience worsening symptoms, and ANSES has noted increases in emergency visits and hospital admission during periods of heavy wildfire smoke.
Smoke exposure can also trigger eye irritation, skin irritation and conditions such as eczema.
Finally, research has also found possible links between wildfire smoke and cardiovascular problems, including increased risks of high blood pressure, heart rhythm disturbances and other heart conditions. ANSES noted that the evidence, however, is less established for cardiovascular effects than for respiratory problems, but remains an area of concern.
How to protect yourself
The Nouvelle-Aquitaine Regional Health Agency (ARS) says the most effective protection is to reduce exposure whenever smoke is present.
“The main recommendation, which may not seem logical to everyone, is to go outside as little as possible,” Cécile Tagliana, deputy director general of the ARS, said during a press briefing.
She said that smoke concentrations are generally higher outdoors than indoors and advised residents to reduce the amount of time spent outside while smoke plumes remain over the region.
The ARS recommends:
staying indoors as much as possible during periods of heavy smoke
keeping windows and doors closed to prevent polluted air entering homes
ventilating homes only when the smoke plume has moved away
avoiding outdoor exercise and strenuous activity, as faster breathing increases the amount of fine particles inhaled
avoiding additional indoor air pollution from candles, incense or similar products
checking on elderly neighbours and vulnerable relatives
When should you wear an FFP2 mask?
The French government has made 2.5 million FFP2 masks available free of charge through pharmacies in the affected departments.
The ARS said that ordinary surgical masks and FFP1 masks are not suitable protection against wildfire smoke because they do not effectively filter fine particles.
An FFP2 mask is recommended for those who need to go outside while smoke levels are high, especially those who are considered vulnerable (babies, children, elderly, people with weak immune systems etc).
The masks can be used for around eight hours during the day, and should be used when outside in smoky conditions.
It is not advised to continue wearing them when you are at home or while sleeping.
Anyone experiencing worsening respiratory symptoms, breathing difficulties or unusual discomfort should contact a doctor or call 15 (SAMU, the emergency medical service) if conditions become severe.
